Reuss Gold Merit Medal with Swords

Reuss Gold Merit Medal with Swords. Unnamed as issued. Obverse: The monogram 'HR' surmounted by a crown with a beaded edge around the circumference. Reverse: The inscription 'FUR VERDIENST' (For Merit) with in a laurel wreath tied at the base with a bow with a beaded edge around the circumference. The medal is fitted with crossed swords with a loose suspension ring and a piece of 34 mm yellow ribbon which has 3 mm red (inner) and 3 mm black (outer) edge stripes inset by 1 mm.

Associated with the Princely Reuss Honor Cross were several merit medals, meant to reward lower ranking civil servants and enlisted military personnel. The Silver Merit Medal was apparently established in the 1885 amendment of the Honor Cross statutes. A Golden Merit Medal was added in 1897. In 1909, consistent with the revisions to the Honor Cross, swords were authorized for both medals and a crown was authorised as a higher distinction of the Golden Merit Medal (there was no similar provision for a Silver Medal with Crown). In 1915 the yellow with red and black edge stripes 'war ribbon' was authorised for the medals. The Golden Merit Medal was intended for non-commissioned officers while the Silver Merit Medal was for lance corporals and privates. This medal forms part of a collection assembled by the Memorial in the 1920s for display.